Chapter 135

Speaking in Inner Guards couldn't understand at all, Manfred disappeared from the sight of the enraged Ursus soldiers.

"Sir! Even siege spears can't penetrate the hide of these behemoths!"

"... Those corpses... the corpses are coming back to life!"

Seeing the chaotic scene behind him, the veteran Inner Guards issued orders to his two colleagues:

"Have everyone else step back. You go and deal with those corpses... Even though they were used by the enemy, they were still our soldiers. Be a little gentler."

"... These Sarkaz monsters have no fear, and our spells are ineffective against them... How are you going to deal with so many monsters?"

As they talked, everyone watched as the battle- Inner Guards sheathed his sword and loosened his gloves, and they all took a few steps back as if startled.

The seasoned Inner Guards paid no heed, and the dark the Dominion surged forth:

"Nature is what we fear itself..."

"Your Excellency, in that case... you..."

"A controlled liberation won't cause any irreversible damage, but be careful to reassure the soldiers and prevent them from being Pollution... As for now, I'll handle these monsters..."

He took a step forward, and the monitor on the Inner Guards's mask turned a bright red overload warning.

He once exploited the Demons of the Northern Plains, isolating them from civilization.

He also personally killed princes and nobles, ensuring that his glory was not tarnished by the dust of rebellion.

Each Inner Guards is the Dominion, and the land beneath their feet is all Ursus territory... and not an inch of Ursus territory is permitted for the demon race to desecrate any foreign creature.

"You shall all perish."

No matter what the earth is like, the sun will still rise and set...

Although Medic knew things would be much easier when he saw Manfred and the Inner Guards following closely behind before he left, it wasn't until the Exploration Vehicle entered the Sami Mountains and drove along the ridge for a full ten days to reach the second checkpoint.

Aside from changing snow chains several times while climbing snow-covered mountains and navigating the terrain, the Medic team encountered no problems along the way, even though their speed was already so low that traveling ten kilometers a day was considered fast.

Of course, after removing the bandages, Foresight allowed Medic to avoid a lot of trouble in the natural sense... Thanks to this spell, the Medics even bypassed a Sami Fortress built on a mountain... But according to Ah Fu's saying that getting rid of one problem doesn't mean you have one less problem, but rather that more problems await you in the future, these days that seem like a calm after a storm are simply a thorn in the side for the cat.

If something unexpected happens soon, she'll start to wonder if her next mission will involve killing half the population of this land or completely curing Oripathy.

"... Or, to face natural Catastrophes again... that seems possible..."

Watching Medic frantically scribbling and drawing in his notebook, his tail swaying restlessly from side to side, Huang, who had just opened a can of non-alcoholic beverage, sighed and sat down beside him, hooking his arm around Medic's shoulder and then wrapping his tail around Medic's own tail. He sighed again, "You..."

"You've been acting like you're possessed these past few days. I'm not trying to be pessimistic... Medic, you really need to rest for a while. How about spending a few days in Columbia before returning to Rhodes Island? Otherwise, I feel like Kal'tsit will be assigning you tasks again."

Just as Medic was about to say something, Rosemary, who had been teaching Aili and Xia to draw, came running over, grabbed her drawing board, and plopped down in Medic's lap. While her paintbrush kept moving, she also scratched Medic's chin with her tail.

Huang smiled upon seeing this: Yes

"Look, even the Little Cat agrees with me." (Jiu)

"Mmm."

While everyone else went about their business, seemingly unfazed, FrostNova, having contacted Patriot but still receiving no response, sighed and returned here... But seeing a large heat source beside Medic and a little guy who always liked to glare at her, FrostNova scratched her cheek sheepishly: Ugh.

"Um... did I come at a bad time?"

"No, you've come at just the right time..."

Untying Huang's tail, and then placing the cloud-like blue Little Cat back in front of the red and green fake Little Cat, Medic slung his bag over his shoulder again.

"I'm going to relieve Talulah who's scouting ahead. FrostNova, you come too... I'll do today's healing on the way."

Shrugging, FrostNova also picked up her coat from the hanger:

"Good."

P. S.: After thinking for a long time, I still have to write about the enemy's movements, otherwise nobody will understand why things turned out this way... (sigh)

Then the injections won't stop until the 15th... the infection treatment is so slow.

PS2: Meow Meow Cat

4th Crimson Warm Winter: Yi Lingyi Qi is Five Jiu (IV) Jiu Ba 142 Sami Snow Mountains

The current Exploration Vehicle is in a phase of operation because driving on mountain roads, especially snow-capped mountain routes without prior exploration would result in a purely minor accident.

Medic would rather stay put and wait for his Inner Guards to catch up so he could fight them again than see a vehicle carrying a thousand or so people plunge into the abyss because of a problem with the route scouting.

Fortunately, although the Sami Mountains have a snow line that never melts, there are still several months before the actual snow season.

After greeting the Shieldguards whose armor was reinforced with polymer for insulation on the roof, Cat pointed to the headset on her head and reminded them to contact her by radio if needed. Only then did she begin to discuss with FrostNova the matter of going ahead to find Talulah scouting ahead.

As the altitude of their location increased, the snow under their feet was no longer just ankle-deep as it used to be. On the mountain paths of the Sami Mountains, one step might be a moment of relief that the snow only reached their knees, but the next step could plunge them into a deep pit.

Although Medic had carried out missions in many cold regions in the past, such complex terrain and snow-covered areas were beyond her experience.

So, after confirming that the temperature was still within the range that her new thermal clothing was suitable for, Cat looked at FrostNova, who was putting on her snow boots with practiced ease, with a puzzled expression:

"The Reunion Movement... is very familiar with this kind of mountainous, snowy environment?"

"I wouldn't say I'm familiar with it, since there aren't many mountains in Ursus. Although everyone uses sleds or homemade snowboards when there's a lot of snow, I'm more familiar with the plains where snowmobiles or snowmobiles are used. The mountains are different... not to mention the elevation differences, there are all sorts of valleys and crevasses. I feel like I can only be sure of safety on foot."

Nodding in agreement with FrostNova's words, Medic casually brushed his right eye, and black flames ignited in his azure pupil.

Having not used her X-ray vision spell in a long time, the cat was almost becoming a Muggle who couldn't cast spells silently anymore. FrostNova, of course, also noticed the cat's spell beside her, and at the same time, she also noticed Medic's emerald green left eye, which looked like a prosthetic eye, with a distinct crystalline quality and fiery hue, when used as a 'Arts Unit'.

"I've been wanting to ask this before... Medic, is your left eye... injured?"

"No, the matter of this eye... is a little complicated..."

Since they were already good friends, Cat didn't want to deceive the other party, so she spoke very vaguely. However, talking too much about her mission would eventually expose her identity, so she immediately decided to change the subject.

The cat looked directly into the White Rabbit's eyes, noticing the rabbit's slightly flushed face, before pointing to its left eye and asking:

"Isn't it good-looking?"

"... Huh? No... it's really beautiful... like a gemstone."

"... It is indeed a solid Originium Crystals... with special processing, it can be used as Arts Unit... but, the matter concerning it, and its original owner, is rather complicated... if you are still interested in the future, I will tell you about her... about them."

It's quite rare for FrostNova to sense a melancholic aura in Medic.

Just as FrostNova was about to say something, Medic changed the subject again with the sled, and after FrostNova taught the assassin how to put on snowboards and use a cane, FrostNova herself had already forgotten what she wanted to say.

At this moment, the two had changed their gear, carrying skis they might need on the return trip, and using both legs and poles, they stepped into the snow.

To adapt to the environment, Medic did not choose to wear snowshoes to prevent excessive sinking when entering the snow. Considering the possible combat needs, the cat chose to test the waters by stepping directly on its own snow boots.

With a creak, FrostNova watched as the snow submerged above the other person's knees and touched their stockings. She glanced at her own Rhodes Island uniform, completely covered by Reunion Movement overcoat, and looked up worriedly, asking:

"Medic, aren't you cold? Won't your tights get wet?"

"... No, my socks are actually quite expensive mission gear. They're hydrophobic and have excellent insulation... but Jessica is the only one who has a similar pair..."

Actually, if handled properly, Liquid Fabric can also be wetted with water and show the same texture as ordinary clothing, but that camouflage function is not needed here now. Medic said as he tried to move a couple of times, then frowned and put on his snowboard, which allowed him to stand up normally.

This environment... is clearly very unfavorable for cats that aren't particularly strong in direct combat.

White Rabbit, on the other hand, showed no discomfort whatsoever with the snowboards that felt like slippers. She even helped Medic unfold his snow poles with a strangely amused expression... She felt as if she had returned to the time when the Reunion Movement had just received the Infected from the South. Back then, the children in the group had not yet grown to hate the pristine white Snowfield. In the first year, they would try to feel the earth with their own two legs, just like Medic, or simply plunge into the snowdrifts.

However, as the number of people increased and supplies decreased... the children grew up quickly, and now no one goes to 'play' in the snow anymore.

Those children already knew that, for the Reunion Movement, 'Snow' was also an enemy.

While White Rabbit was lost in thought, the two had already advanced several hundred meters into the cold wind. The exploration team had marked all the movable routes in the mountains with orange beacon poles.

Seeing those lights that seemed to breathe in the cold wind always reminded Medic Vision of the Catastrophes three years ago... Back then, Rhodes Island itself braved fierce winds and deadly threats to mark routes for the Landship.

However, compared to marking directions in the vast wilderness, these beacons now truly serve the purpose of marking roads.

"... The number of beacons is also a factor limiting the expedition's progress... I wonder when the guide His Patriot mentioned will find us."

"Well, you old stubborn... although you can make me so anxious sometimes... you generally keep your word... so don't worry too much."

Hearing FrostNova panting after walking only a short distance behind him, Medic realized that although FrostNova had become more and more like a normal person recently, due to the decrease in Originium activity, her physical strength was no longer that of the legendary Yeti Princess... The current FrostNova's physical strength was probably not even as good as those urban white-collar workers in Columbia who sat in offices.

"... FrostNova, I'll carry your things..."

"Eh? Well then... you'll be taking care of Talulah and Skullshatterer's lunch~"

Panting, FrostNova took off her small waist pack and handed it to Medic. She had clearly underestimated the weight of her thermal gear... Seeing that FrostNova was still panting and leaning on her cane even after taking off her waist pack, Cat thought for a moment and took the skis that Frostnova was carrying on her back as well.

"Ah... wait a minute, if you do that, what if there's an emergency... won't I have to run on foot?"

"I won't leave you, so it doesn't matter."

"... Don't you think there's anything wrong with this statement?"

Despite saying that, White Rabbit still obediently handed over the carbon fiber skis to the other party... And just when FrostNova felt that she had rested enough, she saw that the other party had taken off his gloves and reached out his hands, which showed no signs of labor, to his Medic.

"Actually, considering your condition, I shouldn't further stimulate the Originium activity within you... However, given the changing environment, your physical weakness might prevent you from making it through the rest of the journey... From now on, I will keep you in a state that enhances your physical strength without overly stimulating the Originium itself..."

"... It sounds like my treatment is going to get complicated again?"

"In short, the requirements remain the same. First, absolutely do not use Originium Arts on your own. Then, as much as possible... no, you must stay with me... To prevent Originium from entering self-growth mode, this state needs to continue until we enter a stable environment below the snow line, where we no longer need to adjust your Originium activity."

FrostNova blinked, then pursed her lips slightly to suppress a smile:

"This is so troublesome... but it doesn't seem to bring any real change... It's just that so many people want to be with you every day, I probably won't be able to get a spot."

"Then let's switch sides, I'll just stay by your side."

In the dry, cold air, FrostNova took off her gloves and held the other's soft little hand... Strangely enough, the other person was shorter than her, and their arms and hands were also smaller... But it was precisely this kind of hand that made FrostNova forget her surroundings, as if she had returned to the time when she was the Yeti Princess, and even the coldness around her disappeared.

However, FrostNova knew that turning into ice and having someone shield her from the wind and snow were completely different feelings... The last time she had this feeling of sharing body heat was when her parents were still alive and she was still in the Ursus mines.

Listening to the crunching sound of the snow beneath her feet, FrostNova frowned. She suddenly realized that her feelings for Medic might have changed... If in the past there was still that shy feeling she had when interacting with a friend, this feeling of no longer hiding, of familiarly holding hands, of familiarly feeling the other's warmth... was it the feeling of a mother?

Could it be that he mistook this Feline was even younger than him, for his mother...?

Upon realizing this, FrostNova chuckled and sighed, but even so, she no longer shyly tried to avoid Medic's touch as she had in the past.

Yes, she was already quite familiar with this feeling... or perhaps it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she craved this warmth.

Who wouldn't love a mother who helps control Oripathy, worries about your exhaustion, and keeps you warm...? But FrostNova doesn't want a mother this tall... The White Rabbit realizes that her feelings for Medic might need another transformation.

No matter what, to regard someone who looks younger than oneself as one's mother is... far too disrespectful... both to one's mother in one's memory and to Medic who is currently taking such good care of one.

"... Star... FrostNova?"

"Huh? Ah?! I'm here, what's wrong?"

Medic glanced at FrostNova, who was clearly lost in thought, a strange smile playing on her lips that she quickly suppressed. She didn't pay her much attention. The black-haired Feline, holding a simple map, pointed to the star marker Talulah had placed in the distance, and further still, to the person waving at her from afar.

"We've arrived, the last beacon, and Talulah's team... It looks like they've already helped set up a makeshift camp."

As he spoke, Medic led FrostNova up the hill in front of them. The Reunion Movement members seemed to be familiar with FrostNova wearing Rhodes Island uniforms and walking around hand in hand with Medic.

The main reason is that FrostNova is often alone with Frostnova during deep healing sessions; otherwise, others might not just be used to the intimacy between the two.

"But you two really have a good relationship..."

"Not as good as you and Alina... Come on, lunch..."

Seeing FrostNova speaking while the item was taken from Medic's side, Talulah's lips twitched slightly. However, as everyone sat around Talulah using their own charcoal fire, the topic of Medic became more serious:

"... You all eat first, listen to me first... Talulah, so far, we've crossed the Frozen Lake border of Ursus. The ridge where the Exploration Vehicle is located is in the disputed territory between Sami and Ursus. After bypassing that Sami Fortress, we've undoubtedly entered Sami territory... Now we face a very serious problem..."

After a pause, Medic, holding FrostNova's hand, looked up with concern:

"We do not have a detailed map of the Sami Mountains."

"Are you worried that if the car continues to drive forward, it might enter a dead end?"

Seeing the cat so dejected that its ears drooped, FrostNova clenched her fists slightly and asked:

"Don't we still have drones? Can we use drones to scout the way?"

"... Small drones can't be used in the windy conditions of the mountains... at least not in this area right now... and the current altitude is over four thousand meters, Rosemary... and her Tactical Unit combat effectiveness are expected to drop significantly... Patriot mentioned Sami's guide... Do you have any intelligence on that person? At least knowing his location will give us a direction to move forward."

Although Talulah and FrostNova both knew what Medic had to say, they could only shake their heads after exchanging a glance.

"I'm sorry, Patriot's lifespan far exceeds ours, and we have absolutely no idea who this 'guide' he speaks of is... nor how to contact him."

"... I'm still concerned about what he said about the other party finding us on their own... Does that mean he's the one who's contacting us? But usually, they'd give us their contact information, right?"

Listening to Talulah and FrostNova's explanations, Medic fell into thought... He wondered if gaining the ability of 'Foresight' made him tend to interpret everything he encountered as 'prophecy'... But, if that 'Guide' also possessed prophetic abilities, then Patriot's words would make perfect sense?